A KOITERANGI FAREWELL.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1921, Page 2

A KOITERANGI FAREWELL.

' The Public Hall, Koiterangi, was the scene of a large and representative gathering of residents of the Kokatahi Valley last night, when a farewell social was tendered to .Mr and Mrs Janies Smith and Miss Smith, old and esteemed residents who aro removing to Hokitika to reside. The • ndance numbered about two hundred and it was a ver; appreciative gathering. Dancing was first indulged in, excellent music being supplied by Mrs W Morris and Mr J. W. Kelly, several extras also being kindly played brothers, while Messrs W. Jamieson and Spence had charge of the floor. During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs \Y. Dicdriehs and Miss Clark. A plentiful supper was then handed round and done full justice to. Then the Chairman (Mr L. H. Morel) said ,he had a duty to carry out which lie much regretted, the saving of farewell to Mr and Mrs James Smith and Miss Smith, who were leaving Koiteraugi. Mr Smith was one of the first to settle on the Ivoiterangi side long be fort there was a road or a bridge, and during his long residence had proved : splendid settler who bad at all times done his utmost to advance the best interests of the district. When making the collection for the presentation there was not one refusal, marking the appreciation of the community of their guests’ services to the community. He had much pleasure in asking their acceptance of handsome Morris chairs, one each to Mr and Mrs Smith, and 3 a lady’s dressing case for Miss Smith. Mr James Fleming (Chairman of Kokatahi Dairy Factory Coy.) paid a tribute to the good work done by Mr Smith in connection with the Dairy Company and wished them well in the future. Mr T. O’Neill (who apologised for the absence of Mr Meharry) joined in the good wishes for the future and expressions of regret at the departure i worthy residents. Hev A. C. Purehas, on behalf of the church folk, expressed their appreciation of the services rendered to the Church in the district by the guests, and conveyed hearty good wishes for their future. Mr James Smith made a feeling and appropriate reply, acknowledging their thanks for the too generous tributes paid, and thanks for their valued gifts which they would always treasure as mementoes of their friends in the district. Mr Smith, was then placed in one ol the chairs' - and drawn round the room amidst loud applause. Dancing was then resumed far a couple of hours before the proceedings, which were throughout of a most hearty j and cordial nature, terminated. j